Hat Yai And Yala Bombings Not A Long-Term Threat To Tourism: TAT

[folium]

Hat Yai And Yala Bombings Not A Long-Term Threat To Tourism: TAT

Not even when occuring at regular intervals?

It would be interesting to run the numbers on in-bound tourism to the UK and London in particular during the IRA bombing campaign (especially after they twigged that a bomb in London was worth 20 in Ulster in terms of coverage and publicity).

For instance the Harrods bombing in 1983 that killed 6 including an American tourist. In total the IRA murdered 125 people in mainland Britain during their campaign and injured more than 2000 in some 500 separate attacks. The impact on tourism......

These insurgents are fighting to the death. The Tak Bai reminds them of what will happen if they ever get into police custody = suffocation to death. There is no British style policing. They know if they get caught they get their balls cut off (as reported by human rights groups) literally. This is why the fighting and murdering is so much more ferocious and the numbers so much more deadly. Talk about fanning the flames.

No one is saying that what goes on in Pattani is pleasant. But what impact is it having on tourism?

[heiwa]

I apologise I guess only the British and its colonies understand sarcasm. I aplogise to all non-British. I just love sarcasm ; ) Yep, Communism did not work. But in Broken hill it did help in wage increase negotiations and better conditions. Obviously did not work in the Ukraine. Nothing is so black and white. Look at the socialist nordic countries. The truth is I am naive and I am going to stop my posting. Have realised very few possess humanity or the intelligence to make change. Stalin was not the man of course. And therefore the world will always be barbaric. We will never escape our gorilla shell. Very depressing to have to concede there is no hope for peace when it is always ends up a clash of egos. Over and out. No more posting. You guys have more chance of finding a solution to peace than any elected government. That's for sure. I guess the world will have to wait for Ghandi or Jesus.

Edited April 3, 2012 by heiwa

[heiwa]

Like a virus - things have spread. Lee Gardens for Hat Yai is the equivalent of the KL Towers for Kuala Lumper. What is stopping it spreading to Phuket or Bangkok. There are very few Muslims in the deep South compared to Phuket or Bangkok.

Edited April 3, 2012 by heiwa

[simonphuket]

You must be American. Why do you Americans always fail to see British sarcasm. However, the teachers are brainwashing them to be Thai rather than Malay - this is why they are being killed from the research I have done. I do not agree that they should be killed. I myself am a teacher and I don' t deserve to die. And I have taught in the deep South. And I have seen the ridiculous stupid flag waving patriotism. Celebate differences like Great Britain does - Wales, Ireland, Scotland. Why turn it into monotone. Nazi style forcing everybody to being German in Europe and the world did not work either. It was defeated. Far more beautiful to enjoy the rich diversified flavours of culture. When I lived in Japan after seeing many John Wayne movies in my youth I told a Japanese that the Japanese soldiers deserved to die - she replied nobody deserved to die. I repeat nobody deserves to die, nobody. Soldiers are just doing their job down there. They don't deserve to die. Teachers are just doing their job down there - they don't deserve to die. However would it be fair for Jews in Israel to be forced to learn Arabic as their first language and adopt the Arabic Muslim culture through the barrel of a machine gun - I think not. Justice and freedom should apply to all indigenous people including the Jews. To me it the decimation of Maoris, aboriginines and the American Indian are a disgace to our barbaric civilisation. It is the belief of some religions that everyone gets what they deserve due to karma. This I belileve is why this problem will never go away and more teachers like myself sadly will be killed along with soldiers, innocent tourists, public officials - all who do not deserve to die. I think it is God's decision who's turn it is to die. Not mine.

I did indeed fail to see any sarcasm or humor in your statements, but nope, I'm not American... you are way off with your assumptions. I do see the humor however in the contradictions in your own statements. And God does not decide who should die, it is the person pulling the trigger..

[OZEMADE]

Like a virus - things have spread. Lee Gardens for Hat Yai is the equivalent of the KL Towers for Kuala Lumper. What is stopping it spreading to Phuket or Bangkok. There are very few Muslims in the deep South compared to Phuket or Bangkok.

I would say you are way off the mark, if anything it would be 50/50. Having said that, it is the Terrorists that are causing the problem, wether they be Thai, Muslems or Buddist.

[heiwa]

How long do the authorities (TAT) think it is going to be until the terrorists in the South realize that the headlines are going to be from attacks in Bangkok and other tourist destinations

Anyone remember Bali !!!!

Exactly - but in the karmic circle whatever will be will be - Que sera sera. Everyone gets what they deserve. By making steps to prevent bombings would only delay the inevitable karmic punishment. And of of course they live in abject poverty for karmic debts of a former life so there is no need for the Bangkok government to share in the wealth of the region with the locals. Foreigners just remember to cross your fingers.

Hmmm everyone gets what they deserve? So you are approving what is happening tand that innocent teachers and children get killed? They deserve that too? And if everyone gets what they deserve, the muslim who died... they deserved it as well? Thats what you are saying here? I really hope you are not condoning what is happening, violence will not resolve anything but only create more hatred and less understanding. I hardly believe that the outside world will feel much sympathy for the South if innocent people gets targeted, or worse, the violence is spreading to other parts. Fact is, and you are right there, compensation for the casualties are way off in the case of the red shirts, compared to those who suffer in the South.

You seriously have no sense of sarcasm. Isn't it obvious to all but you that I abhor the killings of everyone down here including the soldiers, children, monks and teachers. Is English your second language? Edited April 3, 2012 by heiwa

[trainman34014]

Like a virus - things have spread. Lee Gardens for Hat Yai is the equivalent of the KL Towers for Kuala Lumper. What is stopping it spreading to Phuket or Bangkok. There are very few Muslims in the deep South compared to Phuket or Bangkok.

I've been waiting for this to happen for some time and in a way I'm surprised that the violence hasn't been brought closer to the Thai Government because lets face it, the 'Security Services' of this country are not exactly up to speed are they? If the IRA could bring their fight to the streets of London and Muslim Terrorists could steal Aircraft and fly them into the WTC, killing thousands in the process, what can Thailand do to stop these people bring carnage to the streets of Bangkok? Now that would bugger up the tourist industry in my opinion and would perhaps focus the Thai Governments thinking. Whilst all these killings are going on well away from the Capital, and in particular a long way from the 'Elite' and their families, I don't think the High So's care a lot about casualty numbers.

[heiwa]

Like a virus - things have spread. Lee Gardens for Hat Yai is the equivalent of the KL Towers for Kuala Lumper. What is stopping it spreading to Phuket or Bangkok. There are very few Muslims in the deep South compared to Phuket or Bangkok.

I would say you are way off the mark, if anything it would be 50/50. Having said that, it is the Terrorists that are causing the problem, wether they be Thai, Muslems or Buddist.

Muslims in Bangkok and Phuket have no interest in the deep South. Statistics show their numbers are bigger.

[Thai at Heart]

Like a virus - things have spread. Lee Gardens for Hat Yai is the equivalent of the KL Towers for Kuala Lumper. What is stopping it spreading to Phuket or Bangkok. There are very few Muslims in the deep South compared to Phuket or Bangkok.

I've been waiting for this to happen for some time and in a way I'm surprised that the violence hasn't been brought closer to the Thai Government because lets face it, the 'Security Services' of this country are not exactly up to speed are they? If the IRA could bring their fight to the streets of London and Muslim Terrorists could steal Aircraft and fly them into the WTC, killing thousands in the process, what can Thailand do to stop these people bring carnage to the streets of Bangkok? Now that would bugger up the tourist industry in my opinion and would perhaps focus the Thai Governments thinking. Whilst all these killings are going on well away from the Capital, and in particular a long way from the 'Elite' and their families, I don't think the High So's care a lot about casualty numbers.

The problem is that there is absolutely no apparent dialogue between the two and the Thai forces are apparently powerless to be able to quell the situation. Therefore, the only inevitable reaction from the terrorist side is to escalate it until people appear to want to talk to them.

The the real fun starts because there is no way any political party of any persuasion in the country will offer them what they want be it limited autonomy or complete succession. The odds that the centralised Bangkok system can accommodate a "separation" of powers for one area is impossible, and then of course you open up the thorny issue of what if other areas asked for a similar model. There is however, a fundamental problem with the one size fits all measure of Thainess that is so prevalent here and until this is sorted out, and a change from the "big wigs" to really embrace the fact that ALL people in this country are to be treated fairly, justly and equally, takes a sea change in cultural attitude that is way way off in the future.

Everyone in this country needs someone who they can look down on.

[heiwa]

Have just heard a Yala policeman has shot himself in the head because they would not transfer him out of there. No-one likes dealing with this. May he rest in peace. Poor soul.

[OZEMADE]

How long do the authorities (TAT) think it is going to be until the terrorists in the South realize that the headlines are going to be from attacks in Bangkok and other tourist destinations

Anyone remember Bali !!!!

Exactly - but in the karmic circle whatever will be will be - Que sera sera. Everyone gets what they deserve. By making steps to prevent bombings would only delay the inevitable karmic punishment. And of of course they live in abject poverty for karmic debts of a former life so there is no need for the Bangkok government to share in the wealth of the region with the locals. Foreigners just remember to cross your fingers.

Hmmm everyone gets what they deserve? So you are approving what is happening tand that innocent teachers and children get killed? They deserve that too? And if everyone gets what they deserve, the muslim who died... they deserved it as well? Thats what you are saying here? I really hope you are not condoning what is happening, violence will not resolve anything but only create more hatred and less understanding. I hardly believe that the outside world will feel much sympathy for the South if innocent people gets targeted, or worse, the violence is spreading to other parts. Fact is, and you are right there, compensation for the casualties are way off in the case of the red shirts, compared to those who suffer in the South.

You seriously have no sense of sarcasm. Isn't it obvious to all but you that I abhor the killings of everyone down here including the soldiers, children, monks and teachers. Is English your second language?

NO but obviously it is yours.

[heiwa]

What if the other side is only a minority and is not representative of the community and their wishes? Does that mean we will need to call for elections? Forgive me, I am a genius.

Edited April 3, 2012 by heiwa

[ratcatcher]

I apologise I guess only the British and its colonies understand sarcasm. I aplogise to all non-British. I just love sarcasm ; ) Yep, Communism did not work. But in Broken hill it did help in wage increase negotiations and better conditions. Obviously did not work in the Ukraine. Nothing is so black and white. Look at the socialist nordic countries. The truth is I am naive and I am going to stop my posting. Have realised very few possess humanity or the intelligence to make change. Stalin was not the man of course. And therefore the world will always be barbaric. We will never escape our gorilla shell. Very depressing to have to concede there is no hope for peace when it is always ends up a clash of egos. Over and out. No more posting. You guys have more chance of finding a solution to peace than any elected government. That's for sure. I guess the world will have to wait for Ghandi or Jesus.

"The truth is I am naive and I am going to stop my posting"

"Over and out. No more posting".

You've not been on this board too long but you make some good points

No need to take your toys and go home. Play a while.

[Thai at Heart]

What if the other side is only a minority and is not representative of the community and their wishes? Does that mean we will need to call for elections? Forgive me, I am a genius.

There is no single "community" to represent in Thailand politically anyway. Thailand is a rough hotch potch of historical feifdoms which people have tried to mush into one "Thainess". The falsehood of Thainess supposes that everyone is in some way homogenous and equal, and yet every one continues to find one reason or another for one part or another to look down on those around themt, be it for their geographical, historical, ethnic or skin colour. Thainess wants everyone to unite together and yet society continues to highlight what makes them different often in a derogatory way.

You can't have a concept of "oneness" unless you accept that the "one" has many different faces.

[webfact]

Malaysian tourists cancel 40% of Hat Yai hotel bookings April 6-8 after hotel car bombing: Tourism Authority of Thailand /MCOT

[Thai at Heart]

Malaysian tourists cancel 40% of Hat Yai hotel bookings April 6-8 after hotel car bombing: Tourism Authority of Thailand /MCOT

You can guarantee also that the mainland Chinese won't be coming for Songkran. No way.

[heiwa]

Knew deep Southern Thai girl who worked in a coffee shop in Bangkok and her Bangkok boyfriend would beat her if she spoke Jawi (indigenous language) to her parents and friends when she phoned home. You must remember they had no South Afica. They had no Martin Luther King so I guess we can't really blame them. Sadly we as Westerners are so richly educated to a level that most Thais could only dream of and so this is why it is difficult to understand how they behave. And whose fault is it for this lack of education. Some of the Thais think these people must be terrorists if they speak Jawi like Westerners think all muslims are bent on world domination. There I go contradicting myself again.

[EyesWideOpen]

I only wish that the TAT officials knew how moronic they sound regarding their press releases after these disasters. Time and time again, the bodies are scarcely pulled out before the TAT comes out and says tourism will not be affected. OF COURSE IT WILL BE !!!!! Best to simply keep quiet and try to improve the overall tourist experience. Another aspect that may be beyond the thinking processes of the TAT, is that the bombs are set off to create terror. If TAT keeps insisting that these bombs are not affecting anything, it may goad the terrorist to ever larger acts. As other people have noted , probably just a matter of time before the terrorists head up north. I am surprised they have not sent a list of demands to the Thai government, and if the demands are not met, time for a large bomb at Nana Plaza......And that would in fact be the end of Thai tourism........

[heiwa]

I only wish that the TAT officials knew how moronic they sound regarding their press releases after these disasters. Time and time again, the bodies are scarcely pulled out before the TAT comes out and says tourism will not be affected. OF COURSE IT WILL BE !!!!! Best to simply keep quiet and try to improve the overall tourist experience. Another aspect that may be beyond the thinking processes of the TAT, is that the bombs are set off to create terror. If TAT keeps insisting that these bombs are not affecting anything, it may goad the terrorist to ever larger acts. As other people have noted , probably just a matter of time before the terrorists head up north. I am surprised they have not sent a list of demands to the Thai government, and if the demands are not met, time for a large bomb at Nana Plaza......And that would in fact be the end of Thai tourism........

A taxi driver has told me they already have in Nana but they were able to get to them and stop them before they explode. He was adamant. He said this was at the same time as 911. However, it is only hearsay and perhaps not worth mentioning. But then again the mutiple bombs at about 7 areas in 2007 no one ever was found accountable. Luckily only a few of them actually detonated. Edited April 3, 2012 by heiwa

[folium]

I only wish that the TAT officials knew how moronic they sound regarding their press releases after these disasters. Time and time again, the bodies are scarcely pulled out before the TAT comes out and says tourism will not be affected. OF COURSE IT WILL BE !!!!! Best to simply keep quiet and try to improve the overall tourist experience. Another aspect that may be beyond the thinking processes of the TAT, is that the bombs are set off to create terror. If TAT keeps insisting that these bombs are not affecting anything, it may goad the terrorist to ever larger acts. As other people have noted , probably just a matter of time before the terrorists head up north. I am surprised they have not sent a list of demands to the Thai government, and if the demands are not met, time for a large bomb at Nana Plaza......And that would in fact be the end of Thai tourism........

A taxi driver has told me they already have in Nana but they were able to get to them and stop them before they explode. He was adamant. He said this was at the same time as 911. However, it is only hearsay and perhaps not worth mentioning. But then again the mutiple bombs at about 7 areas in 2007 no one ever was found accountable. Luckily only a few of them actually detonated.

The bomb attacks in Bangkok over New Year's Eve 2006 might have been the work of southern insurgents. No one seemed to try too hard to identify the bombers (obviously not in any one's interest).

Then-Premier Surayud Chulanont dismissed a southern muslim link to the attacks saying: "I don't think they would come here as they could get lost in Bangkok."

Well that's reassuring.

[thaimat]

Most important to Thailand is making money off the tourists.

If the terrorists spend more per person per day who needs cheap tourists.

Should read "If the Quality terrorists spend more money per person per day, who needs farangs".

[belg]

oh next month everybody forget

same old same old

no worry

(with the needed thai accent)

[EyesWideOpen]

oh next month everybody forget

same old same old

no worry

(with the needed thai accent)

Agreed at a certain level. It is all about scope. If a couple of rubber plantation workers are killed by a bomb, it scarcely makes the Thai news. If 300 farangs are blown up somewhere in Thailand, watch what happens then. You then will have a Bali style event, meaning it would take many years for tourism to recover, if ever.....

[folium]

Countries with sizeable tourist industries always tend to bury terrorist activity asap (not surprisingly).

See Cyprus following the Libyan assault on RAF Akrotiri in Aug 1986 , the attempted shoot-down of an Israeli charter jet in Kenya Nov 2002, or the July 2005 Sharm el-Sheikh bombings in Egypt.

Again drawing comparisons with N. Ireland people sadly become immune to bomb attacks and killings in a remote corner of a country, and unless the southern insurgents take a leaf out of the IRA playbook and shift the campaign to the "mainland" of Thailand (ie Bangkok), it will continue to draw little attention or action.

[Sing_Sling]

Like a virus - things have spread. Lee Gardens for Hat Yai is the equivalent of the KL Towers for Kuala Lumper. What is stopping it spreading to Phuket or Bangkok. There are very few Muslims in the deep South compared to Phuket or Bangkok.

I would say you are way off the mark, if anything it would be 50/50. Having said that, it is the Terrorists that are causing the problem, wether they be Thai, Muslems or Buddist.

Muslims in Bangkok and Phuket have no interest in the deep South. Statistics show their numbers are bigger.

First it's more than in the south and now it is 50/50 . . . which is it?

So, quote these figures you are so sure of, it would be interesting instead of just coming up with numbers

[folium]

oh next month everybody forget

same old same old

no worry

(with the needed thai accent)

Agreed at a certain level. It is all about scope. If a couple of rubber plantation workers are killed by a bomb, it scarcely makes the Thai news. If 300 farangs are blown up somewhere in Thailand, watch what happens then. You then will have a Bali style event, meaning it would take many years for tourism to recover, if ever.....

You mention Bali. Between the 2 Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005 and the attack on the Australian embassy in Jakarta in 2004, the total deaths were some 232 of whom 168 were non-Indonesian and mainly Australian.

Yet Australian tourist numbers to Bali continue to grow and over 800,000 visited in 2011. That's more than double the number pre-2002.

[bigbamboo]

Nice to see they have their priorities in order. As long as they keep coming, eh TAT; lets not let the inconvenience of bombs and deaths put them off! Just get them in the door, keep them in the dark as to how it really is, bank that all-important baht, get them out. Wonder what Buddha would think.

That's Numberwang!

[mikebell]

I once spent two weeks visiting my son in Rat Yai. (Previously I had never seen a rat before but now found them sitting under tables in restaurants.)

As far as I could see it was merely a red-light town: empty during the week then swamped by Malay males. I can't see a few boms or hotels going up in smoke putting these guys off their stride!

[anterian]

On aspect no one has mentioned is that these attacks could be aimed at Malaysian tourists. Strict Moslems do not approve of those who tour for fun and hedonistic pleasures, they view such Moslems as apostates. It could be a warning.

[EyesWideOpen]

On aspect no one has mentioned is that these attacks could be aimed at Malaysian tourists. Strict Moslems do not approve of those who tour for fun and hedonistic pleasures, they view such Moslems as apostates. It could be a warning.

Interesting point. Ask any person here which country sends the largest number of tourists to Thailand, and few people would answer correctly with Malaysia. Hard to pin a number, but am guessing a large percent of them are heading to the flesh pots along the border. This is taking hypocrisy to a level that bypasses even Thailand. Deeply devout Muslims, heading up to the Thai border to pound young Thai girls, then head back to resume their devout behavior......

Come to think of it, tourism may not be affected at all based upon this concept...... :-)

Edited April 3, 2012 by EyesWideOpen